Gold Coast SUNS Ruckman Jarrod Witts says working through new ruck changes today with umpires has provided a positive step forward in preseason training.

Ruckmen are having to adapt to the challenge of a major ruck rule change which has been implemented for the 2026 season, with competing ruckmen now prohibited from crossing the centre line prior to engaging with their opposition.

With more than 200 games of AFL experience the premier ruckman had his first taste of the new system during Thursday’s main training session at People First Stadium.

"It was great to get a look at it with the umpires and work through some of those new changes," Witts said.

"Today was a positive step forward.

"I definitely feel like we got a lot more clarity today."

The 208cm tall ruckman shared that while there will be an adjustment period he understands the benefits.

“We’re still figuring it out. It’s going to take some reps and some more match simulation and things like that to get an absolute plan and idea,” Witts said.

"I think there's going to be a little bit in it for everyone.

"No matter what type of ruckmen you are, you're going to get a look at it if you've got good craft.”

The SUNS leader noted with just five weeks to go until opening round the vibes at the club are ramping up.

“Last year was a great stepping stone for us to play finals for the first time, but we’re resetting now,’ commented Witts.

“It's a new team. We've got new players here, and we've got to get to work and go again. 

“We've got high expectations of ourselves. Obviously, finals is the goal for us and without losing foresight of that, we want to focus on our process.”

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